Enlightenment Era

Definition

The Enlightenment Era, spanning the late 17th to the 18th century, was an intellectual and philosophical movement emphasizing reason, science, and individualism over tradition and religious authority. It fostered critical thinking, leading to advancements in various fields including mathematics, and raised questions about knowledge, authority, and human rights that would shape modern society.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Enlightenment Era was characterized by a shift from feudalism and religious authority towards secularism and democratic principles.
2. Key figures of the Enlightenment include philosophers like Voltaire, John Locke, and Immanuel Kant, who challenged traditional views on authority and governance.
3. This era significantly influenced the development of modern science, leading to advancements in mathematics through figures such as Newton and Leibniz.
4. The Enlightenment laid the groundwork for revolutions around the world, including the American and French Revolutions, which sought to apply Enlightenment principles of liberty and equality.
5. It introduced divergent notations in mathematics as thinkers sought clarity in communication and understanding of concepts, resulting in priority disputes over mathematical discoveries.

Review Questions

• How did the Enlightenment Era contribute to changing views on authority and governance?
  • The Enlightenment Era fundamentally altered perceptions of authority by promoting ideas of individual rights, rational thought, and skepticism towards traditional institutions like monarchy and the church. Thinkers such as John Locke argued for government as a social contract where rulers derived their power from the consent of the governed. This shift encouraged movements towards democracy and individual liberties, leading to significant political changes in various societies.
• In what ways did mathematicians during the Enlightenment Era influence the development of mathematical notation?
  • Mathematicians like Leibniz and Newton not only made groundbreaking contributions to calculus but also introduced new notations that standardized mathematical communication. Their divergent notations led to priority disputes where both claimed credit for similar discoveries. This conflict highlighted the importance of clear notation for advancing mathematical thought and education during the Enlightenment, ultimately shaping how mathematics would be taught and understood.
• Evaluate the long-term impacts of the Enlightenment Era on contemporary society regarding science and human rights.
  • The Enlightenment Era's legacy continues to shape contemporary society significantly. It established a framework for scientific inquiry based on empirical evidence and rationalism that drives modern scientific method. Additionally, its emphasis on human rights led to universal declarations advocating for equality and freedom across nations. The principles developed during this period have influenced social movements seeking justice and equity globally, reflecting the enduring impact of Enlightenment ideas on our current world.

Related terms

Rationalism: A philosophical approach asserting that reason and intellect are the primary sources of knowledge, often associated with thinkers like Descartes.

Empiricism: The theory that knowledge is primarily derived from sensory experience, emphasizing observation and experimentation as essential to scientific progress.

Social Contract: A political theory suggesting that individuals consent to form a government in exchange for protection of their rights and freedoms, notably discussed by philosophers like Hobbes, Locke, and Rousseau.